These Instagram accounts are guaranteed to make your day happier

An ex-reality TV star is now president of the United States. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have broken up. Toblerone’s iconic shape has gone through a tweak. Game of Thrones is ending in two seasons. We’re as close to an apocalypse as one can get. And whether it’s political chaos, life-changing law amendments, fashion fluxes, relationship drama or even a serious lack of coffee on a Monday morning—life on Earth can be challenging more often than sometimes.

It’s hard to smile when it feels like the odds are stacked against you. Luckily we have chocolate, alcohol… and reality TV. But for when these don’t cut it, we have Instagram accounts to goad you into cracking a smile. Here’s our round-up of our favourite happy and inspiring accounts. Ditch the cynicism and give them a shot.

1/7

@buddhadoodles

The cutest, cartoony version of Buddha that you ever did see—rounded belly, serene smile et al—paired with sublime quotes from inspiring icons like Rumi and Maya Angelou. It’s the perfect way to start the week or to give yourself a shot of positivity during a terrible Tuesday, because “Peace comes from within… do not seek it without.”

Image: Instagram.com/buddhadoodles

@happsters

From the occasional photo of fluffy puppies (covered with snowflakes and sticking their tongue out!) to downright happy quotes (Be the energy you want to attract), this is for those who are edging towards being a 24/7 ray of sunshine.

Image: Instagram.com/@happsters

@harlowandsage

Featuring the (mis)adventures of Harlow, Indiana and Reese—three beautiful little doggies (Sage, part of the original twosome, passed away in 2013)—this account is perfect for dog-obsessed Instagrammers. Whether it’s pictures of the three snuggling up in bed or flashing toothy grins, it’s likeliest to thaw even the grinchiest of grinches.

Image: Instagram.com/harlowandsage

@thinkgrowprosper

Created and run by Ruben Chavez, emo kids will scoff at this account that offers inspiring quotes and empowering advice. But from one-line zingers about positivity (let go) to step-by-step guides (six things to give up), this has turned many a fruitless day into a stepping stone for a better one.

Image: Instagram.com/thinkgrowprosper

@HumansofNY

If you haven’t heard of HONY yet, could you share the name of the rock you’ve been hiding under? Started in November 2010 by photographer Brandon Stanton, it features stories of real people and real pain; the portraits are beautiful but the stories shared even more heartfelt and inspiring.

Image: Instagram.com/humansofny

@leaninorg

This round-up would be incomplete if we didn’t have one that is empowering for women, specifically. This account is filled with quotes by and for women, short videos and images that exemplify the fact that the #FutureIsFemale.

Image: Instagram.com/leaninorg

@betches

We’ve done the spiritually inclined, the serious, the sunny side-up and the “Yes We Can!” accounts—and we’ve moved to the seriously hilariously. If you like memes, sarcasm, pop culture references and very inappropriate humour, this will you have cackling as you click.